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"Inspirational" former addict again avoids jail over "biggest cannabis growing facility" ever found in Ireland
Summary
Christopher Zinck, aged 33, and Rory Kilkenny, also 33, pleaded guilty in Carlow Circuit Criminal Court to possession of cannabis for sale or supply at a site in Kidalton, Piltown, Co Kilkenny, on 2 May 2013. Kilkenny was sentenced to four years imprisonment, later increased to 12 years with four years suspended on appeal. Zinck received a wholly suspended nine‑year sentence, later increased to a fully suspended ten‑year sentence. The Court of Appeal upheld the suspended nature of Zinck's sentence, citing his rehabilitation and employment. The case involved a large cannabis grow operation with 2,504 plants and 43.54 kg of herb, valued at €2,874,174. Three Asian gardeners were sentenced to seven years with six years suspended. Zinck admitted involvement, receiving a €5,000 fee for delivering supplies to the growers. The court noted his 18‑month drug‑free period and praised his inspirational recovery.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: "Inspirational" former addict again avoids jail over "biggest cannabis growing facility" ever found in Ireland. Charges or matters: possession of cannabis for sale or supply at Kidalton, Piltown, Co Kilkenny on May 2, 2013. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- May 2, 2013 Incident
- May 20, 2015 Incident
- 2017-02-06 Publication
Why: In order to mark the seriousness of the offence and to confirm the court's view that there was an error in Zinck's original suspended term, the Court increased the headline sentence from nine to 10 years but all 10 years were suspended. CNI source report
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: possession of cannabis for sale or supply at Kidalton, Piltown, Co Kilkenny on May 2, 2013 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Kilkenny was sentenced to four years imprisonment while Zinck was given a wholly suspended nine year sentence by Judge Alice Doyle on May 20, 2015. But Zinck was not yet in the clear; He would have a "very significant" suspended sentence "hanging over him", the judge said.; Zinck's case was put back one year "in the hope" that the "exceptional" rehabilitation he had achieved to date could be maintained.
Appellant
Charges: possession of cannabis for sale or supply at Kidalton, Piltown, Co Kilkenny on May 2, 2013 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Kilkenny was sentenced to four years imprisonment while Zinck was given a wholly suspended nine year sentence by Judge Alice Doyle on May 20, 2015. However, on foot of an undue leniency application last year, the Court of Appeal re-sentenced Kilkenny to 12 years imprisonment with the final four suspended.; Zinck's case was put back one year "in the hope" that the "exceptional" rehabilitation he had achieved to date could be maintained.
Places mentioned
- Carlow
- Carlow Circuit Criminal Court
- Court of Appeal
- The Circuit Court
- Wharton House
Topics
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